Outdoor privacy enclosure

ABSTRACT

An outdoor privacy enclosure that includes three or more elongated tubes to form three or more corners of the outdoor privacy enclosure; three or more sheets that extend between the three or more elongated tubes and can form upstanding walls of the outdoor privacy enclosure; a base sheet that extends between bottom edges of the three or more sheets to form a bottom of the outdoor privacy enclosure. The top of the outdoor privacy enclosure is open. Three or more stakes that could penetrate in a ground can support the three or more elongated tubes in an upright position on the ground.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from the U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/198,675 filed on Nov. 3, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a portable and foldable shelter, and more particularly the present invention relates to a portable and foldable outdoor privacy enclosure that is open at the top.

BACKGROUND

People like to engage in a variety of outdoor activities alone or with family and friends. Excursions, such as picnics are a great way to socialize, wherein a group of people engages in leisure activities in the scenic surrounding, such as a garden or lakeside. People also like to spend time on beaches engaging in different activities such as sunbathing and playing with a Frisbee and outdoor playing with kids in recreation grounds, such as parks.

Outdoor open areas, such as gardens, lakeside, beaches, and the like generally lacks sitting or resting areas. People often carry mats, towels, and the like for sitting or taking rest. However, the mats or towels are of limited use and often blow away in wind. Food items, consumables, clothes, and like articles for use by the members taking part in outdoor activities also have to be placed unguarded on the ground. Most importantly, the mat and towels do not protect against crawling bugs. Pests, bugs, sand, and grass blown into the sitting area can spoil outdoor activities. Often people use bedsheets to form a curtain, however, hanging the bedsheets is laborious and unsatisfactory. The bedsheet easily gets wet and spoiled making it unsuitable to carry.

Portable tents, also known as camping tents, are popular for use outdoors for a temporary shelter. However, the known camping tents have limited space which is suitable for sleeping. Moreover, camping tents are complex and time-consuming to install.

A need is therefore appreciated for an outdoor privacy enclosure that allows a person or group of persons in an excursion to sit, rest, or have meals safely and at the same time enjoy the scenic environment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary of one or more embodiments of the present invention in order to provide a basic understanding of such embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated embodiments and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all embodiments nor delineate the scope of any or all embodiments. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more embodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The principal object of the present invention is therefore directed to an outdoor privacy enclosure for outdoor activities including excursions.

It is another object of the present invention that outdoor privacy enclosure allows enjoying the open sky and the environment.

It is still another object of the present invention that the outdoor privacy enclosure forms a barrier against pests, dust, sand, grass, and the like.

It is yet another object of the present invention that the outdoor privacy enclosure provides limited privacy.

It is a further object of the present invention that the outdoor privacy enclosure can be quick and easy to erect and fold back.

It is still a further object of the present invention that the outdoor privacy enclosure is compact and light in weight for transportation and storage.

In one aspect, disclosed is an outdoor privacy enclosure comprising three or more elongated tubes configured to form three or more corners of the outdoor privacy enclosure; three or more sheets that extend between the three or more elongated tubes and configured to form upstanding walls of the outdoor privacy enclosure; a base sheet that extends between bottom edges of the three or more sheets to form a bottom of the outdoor privacy enclosure, wherein the three or more sheets and the base sheet define an enclosed inner volume of the outdoor privacy enclosure, wherein a top of the outdoor privacy enclosure is open; and three or more stakes configured to penetrate in a substantially horizontal surface and support the three or more elongated tubes in an upright position on the substantially horizontal surface.

In one implementation of the outdoor privacy enclosure, the three or more elongated tubes are made from a rigid material. The three or more sheets are water-resistant and flexible. The three or more sheets are made of a polymeric material. Also, the substantially horizontal surface can be ground. The three or more sheets can be continuous.

In one implementation of the outdoor privacy enclosure, the outdoor privacy enclosure can include four elongated tubes, four sheets, and four stakes, wherein the outdoor privacy enclosure is a square or rectangular shape. A length of the outdoor privacy enclosure can be about 8 feet and a width can be about 6 feet. The outdoor privacy enclosure further can include one or more pockets.

In one aspect, disclosed is a method for providing an enclosed space outdoors, the method comprising the steps of providing an outdoor privacy enclosure. The outdoor privacy enclosure can include three or more elongated tubular members configured to form three or more corners of the outdoor privacy enclosure, three or more sheets that extend between the three or more elongated tubular members configured to form the upstanding walls of the outdoor privacy enclosure, a base sheet that extends between bottom edges of the three or more sheets to form a bottom of the outdoor privacy enclosure, wherein the three or more sheets and the base sheet defines an enclosed inner volume of the outdoor privacy enclosure, wherein a top of the outdoor privacy enclosure is open, and three or more stakes configured to penetrate in a substantially horizontal surface and support the three or more elongated tubular members in an upright position on the substantially horizontal surface. The method further includes the steps of unfolding the outdoor privacy enclosure; positioning the three or more elongated tubular members away from each other; inserting the three or more stakes in the substantially horizontal surface; and supporting the three or more elongated tubular members in an upright position on the substantially horizontal surface by the three or more stakes inserted into the substantially horizontal surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying FIGURE, which are incorporated herein, form part of the specification and illustrate embodiments of the present invention. Together with the description, the figures further explain the principles of the present invention and to enable a person skilled in the relevant arts to make and use the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an outdoor privacy enclosure, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments. Subject matter may, however, be embodied in a variety of different forms and, therefore, covered or claimed subject matter is intended to be construed as not being limited to any exemplary embodiments set forth herein; exemplary embodiments are provided merely to be illustrative. Likewise, a reasonably broad scope for claimed or covered subject matter is intended. Among other things, for example, the subject matter may be embodied as methods, devices, components, or systems. The following detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be taken in a limiting sense.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Likewise, the term “embodiments of the present invention” does not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of embodiments of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising,”, “includes” and/or “including”, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The following detailed description includes the best currently contemplated mode or modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention will be best defined by the allowed claims of any resulting patent.

Disclosed is an outdoor privacy enclosure that can be used outdoors and during excursions for sitting, resting, eating, or securing personal belongings and consumables. The disclosed outdoor privacy enclosure can be folded and unfolded for transportation and use. The outdoor privacy enclosure is lightweight to carry and could be easily erected on the ground, lakeside, beaches, and the like allowing persons to sit on it for lake days, beach visits, parks, campgrounds, scenic picnics, and laying under the sun. The disclosed outdoor privacy enclosure can be used over a wet ground.

Referring to FIG. 1 which discloses an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed outdoor privacy enclosure 100. The outdoor privacy enclosure 100 is shown to have four vertical posts 110 that form the four corners of the outdoor privacy enclosure 100. The vertical posts 110 can be elongated tubes that can be made from any rigid material such as plastics and metal. Preferably, lightweight materials can be used for the manufacture of vertical posts so that the disclosed outdoor privacy enclosure 100 is light in weight. For example, Aluminum metal is both durable and light in weight. The height of the vertical post can be about 15-20 inches, and more preferably about 17 inches. The height of the vertical posts can be the same as the height of the outdoor privacy enclosure 100 above ground. The height of the outdoor privacy enclosure 100 can be such that an adult of an average height can easily step up a wall of the outdoor privacy enclosure 100 into an inner volume of the outdoor privacy enclosure 100 and similarly can step out from the outdoor privacy enclosure 100.

Continuing referring to FIG. 1, the outdoor privacy enclosure 100 can include four sheets 120 i.e., a first sheet, a second sheet, a third sheet, and a fourth sheet that extends between the four vertical posts 110 to form the upstanding walls of the outdoor privacy enclosure 100. The four vertical posts can be consecutively arranged to form the four corners of the outdoor privacy enclosure 100. The first sheet can extend between the first vertical post and the second vertical post, the second sheet extends between the second vertical post and the third vertical post, the third sheet extends between the third vertical post and the fourth vertical post, and the fourth sheet can extend between the fourth vertical post and the first vertical post to form an enclosed surrounding or the wall of the outdoor privacy enclosure 100. In one implementation, the four sheets are separate and fastened to the respective vertical post. Alternatively, the four sheets can be continuous or integral and run through the four vertical posts (elongated tubes). The height of the four sheets can be the same as that of the vertical posts i.e., about 15-20 inches, and more preferably, about 17 inches. Also, it can be seen in FIG. 1, a base sheet 130 that extends between the bottom edges of the four sheets 120 to form a bottom of the outdoor privacy enclosure 100. The periphery of the base sheet can be bonded with the bottom edges of the four sheets such that to form an enclosed inner volume of the outdoor privacy enclosure 100. A top of the outdoor privacy enclosure 100 can be open allowing the persons inside the outdoor privacy enclosure 100 to enjoy the open sky and the scenic surroundings.

The base sheet and the four sheets can be manufactured from a polymeric material that is flexible, light in weight, water-resistant, dust resistant, and can preferably resist, to some degrees the punctures or cuts.

The outdoor privacy enclosure 100 can be folded with all the four vertical posts bundled together and can be put in a small cylindrical bag for transportation and storage. The length of the bag can be a few inches more than the height of the vertical post. In use, the outdoor privacy enclosure 100 can be unfolded and the four vertical posts can be positioned away from each other. The four vertical posts can be positioned upright to erect the disclosed outdoor privacy enclosure 100 on the ground. The four vertical posts can be supported in an upright position by four stakes 140, also shown in FIG. 1. The four stakes can be inserted into the ground by forcing through a hand or using a hammer. A pair of cords can be provided for each vertical post of the four vertical posts, the pair of cords extends outwards from the outdoor privacy enclosure. Each of the four pairs of cords can include a first cord and a second cord. The first cord can be fastened at the top or near the top end of the respective vertical post and the second cord can be fastened to a bottom or near the bottom end of the vertical post. The free ends of the first cord and the second cord can then be fastened to the respective stake with some tension to hold the vertical post in the upright position. The four vertical posts can be supported in the upright position by the four stakes. In one implementation, a top end of the stake can have a hook. The first cord and the second cord can be continuous i.e., a single cord 150 (shown in FIG. 1) and the two ends of the single cord fastened to the top and bottom of the respective vertical post, wherein a loop of the cord can be wrapped around the top end of the stake.

FIG. 1 shows a rectangular shape outdoor privacy enclosure 100 having four vertical posts at the four corners of the rectangle. Although the height of the outdoor privacy enclosure 100 can be about 15-20 inches, and preferably about 17 inches (emphasis added), the length and width of the outdoor privacy enclosure 100 can be varied without departing from the scope of the present invention. In one case, the area of the outdoor privacy enclosure 100 can be about 6 feet by about 8 feet.

Although, FIG. 1 shows a rectangular shape outdoor privacy enclosure, however, the outdoor privacy enclosure can be of a triangular, square, pentagon, and the like shape. The number of vertical posts can be three or more, such that three vertical posts can form the outdoor privacy enclosure of a triangular shape. Similarly, three or more sheets and the three or more stakes are within the scope of the present invention. Disclosed is also a kit including the outdoor privacy enclosure and a cylindrical pouch containing the outdoor privacy enclosure, and the three or more stakes.

Again, referring to FIG. 1, the disclosed outdoor privacy enclosure 100 can also include one or more pockets 160 for storing items such as money, phone, wallet, and the like. Preferably a flap having three sides can be provided, wherein two sides of the flap can be bonded with the bottom edges of two adjacent sheets of the four sheets, such that the flap and the base sheet can form the pocket.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above-described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An outdoor privacy enclosure comprising: three or more elongated tubes configured to form three or more corners of the outdoor privacy enclosure; three or more sheets that extend between the three or more elongated tubes and configured to form upstanding walls of the outdoor privacy enclosure; a base sheet that extends between bottom edges of the three or more sheets to form a bottom of the outdoor privacy enclosure, wherein the three or more sheets and the base sheet define an enclosed inner volume of the outdoor privacy enclosure, wherein a top of the outdoor privacy enclosure is open; and three or more stakes configured to penetrate in a substantially horizontal surface and support the three or more elongated tubes in an upright position on the substantially horizontal surface.
 2. The outdoor privacy enclosure according to claim 1, wherein the three or more elongated tubes are made of a rigid and light-weight material.
 3. The outdoor privacy enclosure according to claim 2, wherein the three or more sheets are water-resistant and flexible.
 4. The outdoor privacy enclosure according to claim 3, wherein the three or more sheets are made of a polymeric material.
 5. The outdoor privacy enclosure according to claim 1, wherein the substantially horizontal surface is ground.
 6. The outdoor privacy enclosure according to claim 1, wherein the three or more sheets are continuous.
 7. The outdoor privacy enclosure according to claim 1, wherein the three or more elongated tubes and the three or more sheets are about 17 inches in height.
 8. The outdoor privacy enclosure according to claim 1, wherein the three or more elongated tubes and the three or more sheets are about 15-20 inches in height.
 9. The outdoor privacy enclosure according to claim 7, wherein the three or more elongated tubes comprises four elongated tubes, the three or more sheets comprise four sheets, and the three or more stakes comprise four stakes, wherein the outdoor privacy enclosure is of a square or rectangular shape.
 10. The outdoor privacy enclosure according to claim 9, wherein a length of the outdoor privacy enclosure is about 8 feet and a width is about 6 feet.
 11. The outdoor privacy enclosure according to claim 1, wherein the outdoor privacy enclosure further comprises one or more pockets.
 12. A method for providing an enclosed space outdoors, the method comprising the steps of: providing an outdoor privacy enclosure comprising: three or more elongated tubular members configured to form three or more corners of the outdoor privacy enclosure, three or more sheets that extend between the three or more elongated tubular members configured to form upstanding walls of the outdoor privacy enclosure, a base sheet that extends between bottom edges of the three or more sheets to form a bottom of the outdoor privacy enclosure, wherein the three or more sheets and the base sheet define an enclosed inner volume of the outdoor privacy enclosure, wherein a top of the outdoor privacy enclosure is open, and three or more stakes configured to penetrate in a substantially horizontal surface and support the three or more elongated tubular members in an upright position on the substantially horizontal surface; unfolding the outdoor privacy enclosure; positioning the three or more elongated tubular members away from each other; inserting the three or more stakes in the substantially horizontal surface; and supporting the three or more elongated tubular members in the upright position on the substantially horizontal surface by the three or more stakes inserted into the substantially horizontal surface. 